Oral Answers to Questions

Nick Smith Excerpts

Monday 1st September 2014 Commons Chamber

[Steve Webb]

I do not think that the hon. Gentleman in his heart of hearts really wants these flexibilities. We announced in the Budget the flexibility for people to access their money at 55, in full and in cash if they want to do so. Clearly a minority of schemes—it is important not to exaggerate the scale of this—have contractual terms that relate to the basis on which money can be withdrawn. We are not overwriting the rules of existing schemes, but we are talking to the industry to ensure that as many people as possible can access their cash.

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

3. How long the average wait for an assessment for a personal independence payment was on the latest date for which figures are available.

[Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab)]

4. How long the average wait for an assessment for a personal independence payment was on the latest date for which figures are available.

[The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Mr Mark Harper)]

The straightforward answer is that claimants have to wait for too long. We are committed to putting that right by clearing backlogs and improving processing time. Analysts in the Department are currently considering what information we should publish in future. We will pre-announce that publication in due course, in line with the UK Statistics Authority’s code of practice.

[Nick Smith]

How much has the Department for Work and Pensions returned to the Treasury because of the delayed implementation of the PIP?

[Mr Harper]

The Department has not returned any money to the Treasury as a result of the delays. There have been delays in processing these payments. I know they cause issues for constituents, which is why my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made a clear commitment to reduce the waiting times by the autumn and then again by the end of the year. One of my top priorities, having started this job in July, is to get that reform process under way so that we can deliver that improved performance to benefit all our constituents.